Long Beach police make arrests in three arson cases

LONG BEACH — Despite colder than normal temperatures, things were a little hot in Long Beach last week.

The Long Beach Fire Department said that its arson unit investigated a trio of incidents ending in arrests.

On Feb. 18, Long Beach arson investigators helped in the arrest of Derrick Walker, 54, of Los Angeles who was arrested for alleged arson and insurance fraud involving the burning of his vehicle in Long Beach last August. The LAPD Devonshire Division and LA Fire Arson Investigators assisted with Walker's arrest.

Also Feb. 18, Jeremiah Hyde, 32, was arrested in North Long Beach for illegally burning without a permit in an open area. He also had an outstanding warrant.

On Feb. 15, Sokunthea Tan, 32, was arrested in Central Long Beach for alleged arson of an inhabited structure and vandalism of a vehicle on the 1000 block of Orange Ave.